Four Killed In Australian Theme Park Tragedy

At least four people are dead following an incident on a theme park ride in Australia. The Associated Press reports that two men and two women were critically injured on the Thunder River Rapids attraction at the Dreamworld theme park on the Gold Coast in Queensland. [caption id="attachment_251789" align="alignleft" width="800"]

Image: Youtube[/caption] The white water rafting simulator travels down a foaming water track, reaching speeds of up to 45 km/h through the turbulent rapids.

Police are currently investigating an incident that occurred this afternoon at a theme park on the Gold Coast. https://t.co/3buLSxa1qy
— QPS Media Unit (@QPSmedia) October 25, 2016

In a statement, the park's management said that it was working "quickly to establish the facts around the incident and is working closely with emergency authorities and police to do this".

QAS has addressed media following incident at #Dreamworld. Our thoughts are with the families and loved ones at this very difficult time. pic.twitter.com/jL0ykfGkGU — Queensland Ambulance (@QldAmbulance) October 25, 2016

The latest reports suggest that a malfunction in the ride caused two people to be thrown from the Thunder Rapid ride. Two others allegedly became trapped. The dead are all aged between 32 and their mid forties.

Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate took to Facebook to offer his condolences:

"This is a very sad day for our city. Our thoughts are with the families of those affected – and the emergency staff in attendance. I urge everyone to show the respect needed as the relevant authorities undertake investigations in to what has occurred. A truly sad day for all."

The victims have not yet been publicly identified and police are notifying their next of kin.

Main image: News 7